The Flyers offered the all-star blueliner a 14-year, $110 million contract on July 19, as reported by TSN. The Predators announced today on their website that the team matched the deal, calling it the “most important hockey transaction in franchise history.”

The team has never signed a player to a contract of this magnitude. Weber’s contract is the second largest in NHL history in terms of total money, trailing only Alexander Overchkin’s 13-year, $124 million deal, as noted by the Tennessean.

Weber is worth every dollar. He has established himself as one of the premier defensemen in hockey, and is just 26 years old. He is a three-time all-star and was selected to the first All-Star team in both of the last two seasons.

He is the Predator’s captain, and his presence has helped the team become a contender. Nashville finished with 104 points last season—fifth-best in the league.

Weber is a complete player. At 6’4” and 234 pounds, he establishes a physical presence on the ice. He also contributes to the offense and has recorded at least 40 points in each of the last four seasons.

He is also a consummate teammate and leader—which is why the Predators felt comfortable making him a captain when he was just 24 years old.

Weber is the type of player to build a franchise around. That is exactly what the Predators have done by keeping him under contract through the 2025-26 season.

Nashville has the talent to compete for a playoff spot every season, and with another impact player, the team could make a deep postseason run.

The team’s decision to match the offer will keep the franchise’s cornerstone in place for over a decade, and the stability from that will be invaluable. The Predators made the right move, and it will benefit them in both the present and the future.